LINCOLN, Calif. – Ryan Poling picked up his first collegiate win with three-plus innings of one-run relief, with Brodie Marino and Ka'ala Tam hitting home runs, as Oregon Tech claimed a series win at Jessup University, topping the Warriors, 11-5.
 
The Hustlin' Owls (2-1) had a 6-3 lead in Game 4 – but rain stopped play in the second inning and following a delay – the game was postponed.
 
Korrey Siracusa continued his strong start to 2023, going 4-for-6 in the win, with Alonzo Vergara adding two hits and two runs scored.
 
"It was great to get out on the field and watch our guys compete," said OIT head coach Jacob Garsez. "We responded really well to a tough first game by playing some gritty baseball at a tough place to play. Our offense scored in multiple ways and played tough throughout the series."
 
Tech built a 5-2 lead after three innings, as a Bryce Petrilla RBI single and a Marino sacrifice fly in the opening frame gave the Owls a 2-0 lead. After the Warriors (2-4) tied the score in the bottom of the frame, OIT regained the lead in the second on a Tyler Horner RBI single and extended the margin in the third on a 2-run single from Siracusa.
 
The long ball provided the big blows for OIT – as Marino hit a solo shot in the fourth to push the lead to 6-4, while Tam lined a 3-run homer in the ninth to break the game open.
 
Poling allowed just one run and one hit, striking out five to earn the win, working around four walks. Riley Cronin got the final four outs for his second save of 2023.
 
"Our bullpen was called upon early in games and did a lot of really good things," Garsez said. "Great to watch Poling get his first college win – he's been working hard for two years and we can see the progress.
 
OIT continues their 20-game road trip to start the season next weekend, heading to Westmont College for a 4-game series in Santa Barbara, Calif.